Police: Man seriously injured handling explosives in Cresco

A Cresco man had to be airlifted on Sunday because of a serious injury to his left hand that he suffered after allegedly handling explosive materials.

A Cresco man was airlifted on Sunday to Lehigh Valley Hospital, because of a serious injury to his left hand that he suffered allegedly handling explosive materials, according to the Pennsylvania State Police in Hazelton.

State police responded to the scene at 12:30 p.m. and found an explosive device. Members of the Pennsylvania State Police Hazardous Device and Explosives Section responded to the scene. The device was removed and rendered safe, police said.

The injured suspect is a 22-year-old man who was in the home owned by David Woeppel at the time of the explosion at Rock Ledge Drive in Price Township. The suspect is related to Woeppel, police said.

A post blast investigation revealed that the suspect was manufacturing a small explosive device when the device detonated, police said. The investigation is continuing and criminal charges could result, pening a meeting with the Monroe County District Attorney’s Office.

State police were assisted at the scene by Pocono Mountain Regional EMS and the Marshalls Creek Fire Department.